2018 Has Six New Models in Ducati’s Lineup
The mid November Long Beach Show saw big things from perennial Moto GP powerhouse Ducati, introducing the Scrambler 1100 Special, Multistrada 1260 S, 959 Panigale Corse, Monster 821, XDiavel S and the much anticipated Ducati Panigale V4.
Keeping with tradition, Ducati released improved and refreshed models from their current line up like the Scrambler series. But they threw curve ball into the world of road racers, by deciding to discontinued the highly awarded and iconic 1299 with their first ever road racer that is about as close to the real deal Moto GP as you can get; the Ducati Panigale V4.
Moving from their iconic and proven V2 motor was not an easy feat. Ducati Design Director, Andrea Ferraresi assembled a small group of dedicated designers hoping to create a truly beautiful masterpiece while quieting the chatter from the Ducati faithful.
“We wanted to reassure Ducatisti (Ducati faithful) by showing them that the bike to be born to light was a Panigale all the same: nimble, beautiful, red, elegant, essential, devoted to the track, as all the previous illustrious Superbikes, from the 916 to the 1098 etc.”.
With his team in hand, Ferraresi set out to conquer the difficult task of squeezing the beefier four cylinder in to an elegant lightweight design.
After hours of late night and take out, the succeeded with what they call the “closest thing possible to its Moto GP counterpart”.
Producing 91.5 lb-ft torque, and a peak horsepower of 210, all while staying under 430 lbs. curb weight; I say they accomplished their goal.
This is already being talked about as an instant classic, so all you need knee draggers out their better cash in your pennies from your daughter’s piggy bank as the Panigale V4 is going to be in high demand.
Ducati is best known for their Moto GP inspired bikes but you would be mistaken if you didn’t at least consider the rest of their lineup.
Feeding off the resurgence of classic bikes that can go anywhere, Ducati released a new model to their growing Scrambler series; the Scrambler 1100 Special.
If you have seen the Scrambler commercial on Ducati’s website, then you would know that the Scrambler 1100 series is capable of out running any cop car and is the perfect getaway “car” for any aspiring bank robber (not that we are condoning robbing banks…unless you share).
The 1100 Special takes the same class leading 1,079 cc motor and pairs it with some classic styling like a chocolate brown two-up seat, brass forks, and a two-tone silver and gray paint job.
Leaving you reading for whatever life takes you…(cough) I prefer non-sequential bills please.
Not to be out done by the likes BMW and Triumph, Ducati updated the lagging Multistrada line by finally giving it the tools it needs to compete with the big dogs in the adventure world.
The new Multistrada 1200s, gets a bump in performance with the 1262 cm3 Ducati Testastretta DVT engine pushing out an impressive 158 HP.
New is the Technology Reference point;
“The new Multistrada 1260 also stands as a technological point of reference: maximum safety with the inertial platform (IMU) that manages both the operation of the Cornering ABS and the Cornering Light.
And more: Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, the highly revered Skyhook suspensions and the Vehicle Hold Control that ensures easy and safe uphill starts”.
The new 959 Panigale Corse is meant for people, well like me. Those of us who don’t need to be going “Mach 2 with [our] hair on fire”.
It strikes the perfect balance between performance and ability. I am not an ex-racer, nor do I have a death wish. So with my limited training, I need something a little more tamed.
It still produces a stupid amount of horsepower, 150, to satisfy the speed crazy knee draggers. But instead of dropping the new V4, it uses a familiar V2 setup that Ducati has spent decades perfecting.
For years, people have been turning the Ducati Monster 900 into worthy café racers. The Monster 821 will see the same love form the backyard builders.
Upgraded this year is the “Ducati Safety Pack (ABS and Ducati Traction Control) and the Riding Modes, which guarantee maximum safety always and everywhere”.
Of course, the proven 109 HP Testastretta 11° engine is still nestled between the steel tubing, creating the nostalgic feel of wind in your face and simpler times.
Last but not least, is the new XDiavel S. The awesome abomination of race bike and cruiser lives on with this unmistakable beast.
Not wanting to be like the other guys (Harley-Davidson), Ducati set out to turn the cruiser world upside down when they introduced the first Diavel.
It became an instant favorite among those who wanted the comfortable riding positon only a cruiser can offer but combined it with the attitude of their race winning tradition.
The XDiavel S, keeps that tradition with a comfortable 40 degree lean angle, 147 ergonomic configuration and 150 horsepower.
Ducati could have sit back and rode on the coat tails of their past successes. Instead, they decided to push things into a bold new territory, introducing monsters like the Panigale V4, something the world has yet to see.
There is no doubt these moves will prove fruitful for Ducati, but better yet is the inevitable chain reaction this will cause, as other manufactures will scramble to compete.